Port Mouton Lighthouse
W5F5+6G Port Mouton, NS, Canada
Name and Location
The Port Mouton Lighthouse is located at W5F5+6G, Port Mouton, NS, Canada (43.9230363° N, -64.8412442° W).
Construction and History
The Port Mouton Lighthouse was constructed in 1860 during the Victorian era, a time when maritime trade and commerce were booming. The building's architecture reflects the style of the period, with a distinctive tower and lantern room designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse stands approximately 30 feet (9 meters) tall, with a focal height of 40 feet (12 meters). Its cylindrical tower features a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern. The building's construction materials include stone and brick, with a metal lantern room housing the original light source.
Light and Navigation
Unfortunately, details on the lighthouse's original light characteristics are not available. However, it is likely that the beacon emitted a fixed white light or a characteristic pattern to distinguish itself from other nearby lighthouses. In its operational days, the Port Mouton Lighthouse was manually maintained by a keeper who would ensure the light was lit at regular intervals.
Accessibility and Visiting
Although the Port Mouton Lighthouse is no longer operational as a traditional aid to navigation, it has been converted into a museum and heritage site. Visitors can access the museum and heritage site through guided tours or self-guided visits during specified hours. The nearest transportation hub is Port Mouton Harbour, which offers ferry services and other forms of public transport.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse has been featured in various publications and online galleries, showcasing its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. Some notable photos include: a panoramic view of the lighthouse's distinctive tower and lantern room; the surrounding coastal landscape, with rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings; visitors exploring the museum and heritage site.
Technical and Operational Details
The Port Mouton Lighthouse was manually maintained in its operational days. The advent of automation in the mid-20th century replaced manual operation, but the lighthouse eventually ceased serving as an aid to navigation.
Further Information
- National Historic Sites of Canada: Port Mouton Lighthouse;
- Parks Canada: Maritime History and Culture.
Details
Name | Port Mouton Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Port Mouton |
Country | Canada |
Coordinates | 43.9230363, -64.8412442 |
Year of construction | 1860 |
Events | shipwrecks, rescues |
Historic significance | role in maritime history |
Stories | anecdotes about maritime history |
Construction material | stone, brick |
Focal height | 12 |
Tower height | 9 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | converted to a museum and heritage site |
Access description | by car, boat, footpath |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | coastal setting |
View description | rocky coast, dunes, island |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
Opening hours | true |
Nearby attractions | Parks Canada: Maritime History and Culture |
Automated | false |